In the end, there is Hope!

The Book of Kings is a story of a rebellious people and  God's judgment.  God gave the people of Israel everything.   The Lord said, "I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant" (Joshua 24:13).  Moses had warned them earlier about the consequences of disobedience.  Moses said that when the LORD their God brings them into the land of promise when they have eaten and are full, they should not forget the LORD who brought them out of Egypt (Deut. 6:10-15).  The story could have been very different if they had only listened to Moses.  It could have been a story of blessing, abundance, and hope.  But the people soon forgot the Lord who brought them out of Egypt.  And because of their disobedience, they lost God's blessings!  The story of the kings reminds us of our own lives!  Our choices matter to God.  But the book does not end in hopelessness but with hope.  The book of Kings has been a continual reminder of hope, God's call to repentance, and God's continued forgiveness.  

At the end of the book, Judah remained depopulated; the people of God were still exiled, and the king of Judah was a captive in Babylon.  Their exile was a stark reminder of the consequences of their sins; they had lost their land.  Yet, even without the land, they were still God's people.  And because they were still God's people, they could trust in His promise to restore them to the land.  God had done it once before, and He could do it again.  He did it again in 1948.  This holds a lesson for us.  Our place in the kingdom of God is not defined by a set of rules, nor do we lose our place because of our mistakes.  We must face the consequences of our choices, but our relationship with the King of Kings defines our place in His Kingdom.  Just as the Father in Luke 15, the Lord eagerly awaits our return with a repentant heart.  This is the throne of grace, a place of forgiveness and mercy!

My friend, are you struggling because of your poor choices?  Do not give up hope.  God is reminding us today that He will hold us when we stumble.  Jesus said, "…  there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents" ( Luke 15:7).

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, forgive me and restore the joy of salvation.  Help me find favor in Your sight, for there is hope in Your mercy.  Amen.

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